Next week, London’s ExCel will once again play host to the Pokemon Center pop-up shop
The Pokemon Center
The Pokemon Company has announced that its wildly successful Pokemon Center London will return to the British capital next week, from April 14-16, 2023. During this time, devotees of the adorable creatures will have the chance to snag one-of-a-kind apparel and plush toys that can’t be found anywhere else.
The first time the Pokemon Center London opened in the city was in the fall of 2019, when fans had to wait in line for as long as five hours a day to purchase merchandise like t-shirts, backpacks, and the store’s signature item: a plush doll of Pikachu dressed as a Little City Gent. The temporary shop was originally scheduled to open in 2020 (during the growing COVID-19 pandemic), but was postponed until the summer of 2022, coinciding with the Pokemon World Championships.
You can reserve a time slot to attend the grand opening next week on the store’s website if you’re interested in making the journey. While the virtual queueing method is meant to alleviate the chaos that attendees experienced in 2018, it is important to note that merchandise will likely be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the rarer items selling out in record time. You can walk in without warning on the days the shop is open, but you might have to wait a while before being let in.
From April 14-16, you can visit the Pokemon Center London at the ExCeL London venue.
